Senekowitsch dies: Austrian former national coach Helmut Senekowitsch, a hero in his country for leading the side to victory over West Germany during the 1978 World Cup, died yesterday, the Austrian soccer association (OeFB) said. In his memory, a minute's silence would be observed ahead of Austria's friendly against Chile in Vienna tomorrow.

Toni: Striker Luca Toni has failed to recover from a thigh strain for the France clash, which ended goalless, and has now been replaced by Juventus forward Vincenzo Iaquinta for Italy's Group B away qualifier against Ukraine on Wednesday, the Italian federation website said. Italy midfielder Gennaro Gattuso is also suspended after his yellow card on Saturday.

Cassano: Antonio Cassano suffered a suspected thigh strain during his Sampdoria debut and could be out for several weeks. After weeks of intensive training he was finally given the all-clear to play in a friendly against Swiss side Bellinzona. However, his performance lasted just 44 minutes before Cassano pulled up with a suspected right thigh strain.

Adriano: Inter striker Adriano scored a hat-trick in a friendly match and could make his comeback in Sunday's match with Catania. The Brazilian, who has been excluded from Inter's Champions League list, showed glimpses of his old form by notching a hat-trick in a friendly against Inter's youth side.

Friendly results: Ecuador vs El Salvador 5-1; Venezuela vs Paraguay 3-2; Peru vs Colombia 2-2.

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